In this 2010 file photo, a collection of political signs at the intersection of San Antonio Drive and Farenholt Avenue in Tamuning. PDN file photo

With the election season upon us, the sides of Guam's roads and the lawns of many homes will become cluttered with political signs. They not only take away from the beauty of the island but also can obstruct traffic and become public safety hazards.

Political signs aren't supposed to be erected until 90 days before an election, and must be taken down 15 days after the election, but both of those requirements frequently are violated. Signs were allowed as of June 1, but there were many signs erected prior to then.

While Guam's sign laws need to be updated, the Department of Public Works also needs to be much more aggressive about enforcing the statute.

Some needed changes should include: an increase to the deposit candidates must make to erect signs; as well as stricter and more expensive penalties for violations.

Currently, when candidates don't take their signs down, they lose a $200 deposit. This is hardly a deterrent, especially when candidates pay the same amount whether they put up one sign or 100 signs.

The government should require candidates to pay a set deposit, but charge an additional fee based on the number of political signs a candidate erects. This will better ensure candidates follow the law after an election and take their signs down by the legal deadline.

Also, candidates shouldn't be allowed to put up congratulatory or "happy holiday" signs outside of the election seasons. Local law defines political signs as "all billboards, posters, banners or displays, which advocate a candidate for political office or any matter to be presented to the electorate for vote." Even if the signs don't literally say "vote for me," that's essentially what they're there for -- to put candidates' faces out to the public for political consideration. A politician's face or message on a sign is a political sign.

Public Works should step up and declare these signs illegal when they're posted outside of the period designated for elections, as well as any other signs that break the law. The agency must ensure illegal signs are removed and that those responsible for the signs are held accountable.